Rapides Station Community Ministries (RSCM) is a faith-based nonprofit organization founded in 1990 to serve families in Rapides Station, Boyce, and Alexandria, Louisiana. Originally focused on youth education and character development, RSCM expanded into affordable housing and credit counseling after recognizing that family stability requires both economic literacy and safe housing. The organization is the only HUD-certified counseling agency in Central Louisiana and has received over $10 million in funding from the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency to build approximately 40 single-family homes and develop senior and low-income housing units.
RSCM offers a comprehensive suite of HUD-approved counseling services including pre-purchase homebuyer education, financial management and budget counseling, mortgage delinquency resolution, high-cost lending education, rental housing counseling, and services for homeless individuals. Their certified housing counselors and credit counselors work directly with clients to improve credit ratings, prepare first-time buyers, and help homeowners avoid foreclosure. The organization also provides downloadable applications for homeowner programs and foreclosure intervention assistance.
RSCM's distinction lies in its deep community roots and listed track record. From 2002-2010, the organization received over $2.3 million from Louisiana's Department of Education to operate TANF and 21st Century Community Learning Center programs. The organization has demonstrated measurable impact: building 20 homes in a single year, assisting 25 families affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and developing permanent supportive housing. Leadership includes Dr. Joe S. Green, founder and former pastor of St. Matthew Baptist Church, and certified counselors with backgrounds in banking and community development.
RSCM's primary limitation is geographic scope—services are concentrated in Central Louisiana (Alexandria, Boyce, and Rapides Parish area). While HUD-approved, the organization functions as a traditional nonprofit counselor rather than offering expedited or premium services. The website lacks detailed pricing information and service availability calendars, and some service descriptions are abbreviated. For consumers outside Central Louisiana or those seeking immediate remote counseling, this agency may have limited accessibility.